The Time is Always Now
Artists Reframe the Black Figure

Members visit free – join from just £5.50 per month.

25 and under: £5 – supported by Bank of America.

Pay What You Wish: minimum payment of £1 on Saturdays from 17.30 to 21.00 and Sundays from 10.30 to 12.00.

Seniors Mondays: 50% off the Adult price for visitors over 60 every Monday.

Other concessions available.

A major study of the Black figure – and its representation in contemporary art. 

The exhibition, curated by writer Ekow Eshun, showcases the work of contemporary artists from the African diaspora, including Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Amy Sherald, and highlights the use of figures to illuminate the richness and complexity of Black life. As well as surveying the presence of the Black figure in Western art history, we examine its absence – and the story of representation told through these works, as well as the social, psychological and cultural contexts in which they were produced.

The exhibition features the work of leading artists including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Titus Kaphar, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jennifer Packer, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Thomas J Price, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson, Henry Taylor and Barbara Walker.

Download our digital guide on Bloomberg Connects to unlock audio commentary, offering reflections from artists Thomas J Price, Amy Sherald, Claudette Johnson and Jordan Casteel, as well as the chance to hear from exhibition curator Ekow Eshun.

Please note there are lighting transitions between rooms in this exhibition. Specific artworks are protected by low level barriers. For more information about exhibition accessibility please contact us at [email protected].

★★★★ Evening Standard 
‘A stellar, stirring achievement’

★★★★ The Guardian 
‘Striking shades of brilliant black figurative art’

★★★★★ The Observer 
‘Stunning from first to last’

★★★★ The Telegraph 
‘Reflects the ascendancy of a new artistic establishment’